Manning honored as week’s top player

Wednesday

Dec 25, 2013 at 11:08 AM

NEW YORK — Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman and San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novack were selected as the AFC’s top players for Week 15 of the NFL season.

NEW YORK — Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman and San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novack were selected as the AFC’s top players for Week 15 of the NFL season.

Manning picked apart the Houston Texans to the tune of 400 yards and four passing touchdowns, giving him an NFL record 51 touchdown passes this season. New England’s Tom Brady set the former NFL record in 2007 with 50.

Freeman led a stingy Colts defense that picked up a much-needed win over the Knasas City Chiefs. He finished with five tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and three passes defensed.

Novak was 4-for-4 in Sunday’s 26-13 win.

NFC players

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and New York Giants kicker Josh Brown were named the NFC’s top players on offense, defense and special teams for Week 16 of the NFL season.

McCoy shredded the Chicago defense for 133 rushing yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles took a dominating 54-11 win over the Bears Sunday night. McCoy leads the league in rushing 1,476 yards and will likely become the first Eagles’ running back to win the rushing crown since Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren in 1949.

Kuechly racked up an astounding 24 tackles and also had an interception to help lead the Panthers to a crucial 17-13 win over NFC South rival New Orleans.

vaulting Carolina into first place in the division. Kuechly’s 24 tackles are tied for the most in an NFL game.

Former Jets linebacker David Harris also had 24 tackles on Nov. 4, 2007 against Washington.

Brown was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals from 41, 52 and 45 yards, respectively, including the game-winner in overtime. His 11 points tied for the most by any NFC kicker last week.